Govt orders strict data law compliance

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has directed all public and private institutions that collect and process personal data to fully comply with the country’s data protection law in a move aimed at safeguarding citizens’ privacy and strengthening trust in the digital economy.

Speaking at the opening of the first Annual Personal Data Protection and Privacy Conference Tanzania 2026 in Dar es Salaam on Monday, Deputy Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Dr Switbert Mkama, said personal data protection should be regarded as a key pillar of good governance rather than the sole responsibility of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC).

He urged institutions to continue investing in secure information management systems and building the capacity of employees to ensure effective protection of personal data.

Dr Mkama also directed the PDPC to intensify public awareness campaigns, conduct compliance inspections and strengthen regional and international cooperation to facilitate secure cross-border data flows while observing international standards and protecting national interests.

He said the conference should generate recommendations that will inform policy development, innovation and practical measures to build a trusted and competitive digital economy.

“Tanzania has chosen a development path that protects the rights, dignity, security and privacy of every citizen,” he said.

According to Dr Mkama, the country has continued aligning its data protection framework with international standards while taking into account national priorities.

He also called on participants to use the conference to discuss key issues relating to personal data protection, public awareness and voluntary compliance with the law, noting that the increasing use of digital systems by both public and private institutions has made the protection of personal information more important than ever.

Dr Mkama said that by May this year, about 14,000 public and private institutions had registered with the commission, including telecommunications companies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, insurance firms, financial institutions and other organisations that collect and process personal data.

Chairperson of the Personal Data Protection Commission, Ambassador Adadi Rajabu, said the conference reflects Africa’s growing commitment to building a common voice on personal data protection and creating a safer digital environment.

He said this year’s conference, themed “Privacy as a Pillar for Inclusive Digital Protection Towards Vision 2050,” recognises privacy as a fundamental component of national development.

Director General of the PDPC, Dr Emmanuel Mkilia, said rapid technological innovation and the growth of online businesses have made personal data increasingly sensitive, requiring stronger protection measures.

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He said the commission has made significant progress in registering personal data controllers and processors, strengthening data protection systems and enhancing public confidence in digital technologies.

According to Dr Mkilia, discussions during the conference focus on implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act, cybersecurity, the responsibilities of data protection officers and the role of data protection in achieving Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.

Kenya’s Data Commissioner, Ms Immaculate Kassait, said her country has adopted digital systems that allow complaints to be lodged online and improve service delivery through electronic management platforms.

She added that Kenya’s efforts to attain international recognition in data protection have strengthened its participation in global discussions and enhanced confidence in its data governance framework.

Uganda’s National Personal Data Protection Director, Mr Baker Birikujja, said the country’s data protection office was established without an initial budget despite growing public demand for its services.